A look inside Orange Coast’s annual luncheon honoring the region’s most inspiring women, from powerful speeches to celebratory moments.
Credit: Photographs by Carla Rhea
Some 200 of the region’s most inspiring and accomplished women gathered at The Celebrations Venue in Costa Mesa to celebrate this year’s class of Orange Coast Kickass Women and Women of Impact honorees. Guests kicked off the afternoon with sips by Golden Eagle Vodka and Mission Craft Cocktails, browsing luxury bags from Francesco Santoro Beverly Hills, who pledged to donate a portion of that day’s sales to the Shame to Sparkle Foundation and Families Inspiring Re-entry and Reunification 4 Everyone. A photo booth and red-carpet step-and-repeat gave attendees the chance to strike their best poses before heading into the ballroom.
Inside, guests found tables decorated with centerpieces by Los Angeles Floral Couture and springtime decor created by Brandhustle Designs. As lunch was served, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley welcomed the crowd, followed by Dr. Lisa Becht from HRC Fertility, who shared an update on new state legislation requiring large group insurers to cover fertility treatments and IVF. City of Hope Orange County President Annette Walker, who holds the distinction of being named a Kickass Woman twice, delivered an uplifting message celebrating the honorees shaping the future of Orange County.
More inspiring perspectives came from three of this year’s Kickass Women, Shirin Behzadi, Stephanie Jeffcoat, and Lacy Nicole, who participated in a panel discussion focused on overcoming challenges and achieving success. The afternoon concluded with a Champagne toast featuring Veuve Clicquot. “The Kickass Women and Women of Impact programs are such an important element of Orange Coast magazine,” said Editor-in-Chief Tina Borgatta. “It’s our opportunity to recognize the truly inspiring achievements and wealth of brainpower that the women in our community bring to the table.”
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